Knowledge Representation, Reasoning and Integration Using Temporal Logic with Clocks

Abstract

Representation, reasoning about and integrating knowledge based on multiple time granularities in knowledge-based systems is important, especially when talking about events that take place in the real world. Formal approaches based on temporal logics have been successfully applied in many application domains of knowledge-based systems where the evolution of a system and its environment through time is central. This paper presents a methodology based on temporal logic to deal with knowledge based on multiple time granularities in knowledge-based systems. The temporal logic we consider is especially suitable for modelling events with different rates and/or scales of progress. The methodology includes an approach to the representation of timing systems, a method used for representing facts and rules in a knowledge-based system that involve multiple time granularities using temporal logic, and several deductive reasoning techniques.